The prosecutor told the court that drug trafficking, especially with tik, was a "massive problem" in the Western Cape, and that Anyaigwe was identified as a member of a nationwide syndicate involved in the manufacture of tik.

Undercover

The director of public prosecutions had authorised an undercover operation in which an agent had infiltrated the syndicate.

The agent sold Anyaigwe large quantities of confiscated ephedrine, the main ingredient in the manufacture of the drug, the prosecutor said.

The prosecutor said the police operation had lasted several months, during which the agent had kept Anyaigwe under close observation.

She said Anyaigwe had to persuade the court that his release on bail was in the interests of justice, but had failed to do so.

Because Anyaigwe had access to large sums of money, he was considered a flight risk, and it was feared that he would abscond if released on bail.

She denied a defence claim that it would take about 10 months before the case was placed on the court roll, and then another few months before the trial started.Other dockets

She said the case would be fast-tracked to the Priority Court in Khayelitsha, where the trial was expected to commence soon.

There were also several other drug-related investigation dockets involving Anyaigwe, and these dockets would be combined, to expedite the case.

She said the State had a strong case, and Anygaiwe faced a minimum sentence of 20 years if found guilty.

The prospect of such a long prison term would induce him to abscond.

The defence countered that the State had played a major role in the commission of the alleged drug dealing, and this rendered the prosecution weak.

He added: "The State supplied the accused with ephedrine, the main ingredient in the manufacture of tik, and in doing so the State went beyond the mere creation of an opportunity for the accused."

The matter was postponed to July 19 for judgment.

Comments

tshwanecyberworks - 2012-07-11 23:54

it's tym we put this ppl behind bars coz soon de country will be turned to mexico wher cartels makes de rules.